 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Katiebeatles
Date: 2012-12-08 01:05
Anyone know about the Yamaha Allegro? Looking into Yamaha clarinets and was wondering about how it compares to the ycl450, and also does the number after the "ycl" increase from beginner (in the 200s range) to advanced (650 range)? Any information is much appreciated.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2012-12-08 01:30
Generally speaking, this is so. I haven't played the Allegro, but I believe it falls between the 450 and 650. I've played both of these and found very little difference between them in quality, although there is a difference in price. Personally, I'd get a 450 rather than pay the extra for the 650 for no appreciable gain. I can't comment on the Allegro, but the quick way to find out is to go to your local Yamaha agent and try them all.
Tony F.
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Author: Pastor Rob
Date: 2012-12-08 12:36
I have a 52. Recently tried a brand new 65 at Meyer's Music in Grand Rapids. I couldn't notice any appreciably difference except that the 65 would cost about $1500 more than I paid for my 52. I have never had a chance to play an Allegro as I have been outbid twice.
Pastor Rob Oetman
Leblanc LL (today)
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Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2012-12-08 14:56
I did some research for a student last summer and learned about the Allegro.
It's similar to the 450, but it has a few added features such as an adjustable thumb rest.
I have a lot of respect for Yamaha instruments, but I'm a bit puzzled about how they market some of their products. Music stores in many areas don't stock the 450 or 650 (in southeastern Michigan they aren't available anywhere), but these clarinets are easy to obtain from online sellers. There are a few music retailers that stock the Allegro (at least there are in my area), but they aren't available from the major online stores.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2012-12-08 15:15
In Yamaha code YCL stands for Yamaha CLarinet. Other abbreviations lead the model numbers for other instruments.
Bob Phillips
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Author: blazian
Date: 2012-12-08 20:58
The Allegro is the YCL-550, no? That would rank it above the 450. I believe it was marketed as a mid-range upper-intermediate instrument. Everything about it is Yamaha solid and it is definitely well-built. As for the comparison with the 450, I find them pretty much the same. The 450 I tested felt and played just like my Allegro.
I have an Allegro and used it for at least six years. It was my second clarinet after playing an Artley for a year. It was definitely a step up! I used it from 6th grade all the way through my senior year of high school. Everyone else had an E11 or an R13 but I held out and still had the best tone according to my peers and director. I also used it outside for marching band because it was so much more powerful than my Bundy.
My favorite feature of the YCL-550AL (Allegro model number as I remember it) as a kid was the gold-plated posts. So cool looking when you're picking out your first good clarinet as a 6th grader. The case is also fantastic. One of the smallest and sturdiest clarinet cases you can find.
I have most recently upgraded to a Buffet Festival which I have played as extensively. (I'm not entirely a member of the Buffet Mafia because I'm also in love with my Selmer Paris 9* full boehm) I'd say the tone of the Allegro is much "brighter" as I have felt with the majority of Yamahas I've played. The tone of the Allegro is not undesirable with the bands I've played in. It's just that now that I'm also playing in my university's wind ensemble and an orchestra here in Austria, I feel that I need a different sound that I can only describe as "darker" in comparison.
It's still my backup and I used the case for my Festival. Good stuff.
Here's a link to the Allegro page on the Yamaha website: Yamaha Allegro: YCL-550AL
- Martin
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